5. Light up your living space

Keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see. Also:

Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways.

Place a lamp within reach of your bed for middle-of-the-night needs.

Make clear paths to light switches that aren't near room entrances. Consider trading traditional switches for glow-in-the-dark or illuminated switches.

Turn on the lights before going up or down stairs.

Store flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages.

6. Use assistive devices

Your doctor might recommend using a cane or walker to keep you steady. Other assistive devices can help, too. For example:

Hand rails for both sides of stairways

Nonslip treads for bare-wood steps

A raised toilet seat or one with armrests

Grab bars for the shower or tub

A sturdy plastic seat for the shower or tub — plus a hand-held shower nozzle for bathing while sitting down

If necessary, ask your doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist. He or she can help you brainstorm other fall-prevention strategies. Some solutions are easily installed and relatively inexpensive. Others may require professional help or a larger investment. If you're concerned about the cost, remember that an investment in fall prevention is an investment in your independence.

Davis JC, et al. Does a home-based strength and balance programme in people aged > or = 80 years provide the best value for money to prevent falls? A systematic review of economic evaluations of falls prevention interventions. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2010;44:80.

Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/CheckListForSafety.html. Accessed June 26, 2013.

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